________________
CHAPTER-VI
249
Thus, it should be known that it is a fallacy to believe someone to be a preceptor because he belongs to high caste.
Further, some people believe preceptorship to be a matter of succession. Earlier, there might have been some great person and in his succession a tradition of disciples is found. In them if some disciple does not possess the qualities of a noble person even then he is treated as a preceptor. If this be logical then in that tradition some disciple might indulge in the great sinful act of sexual copulation with other's wife, etc. then he also will become the pious person and will attain the heavenly life; but this is not possible. Moreover, if he is a sinner then how can he be treated the rightful occupier of the seat? The one who performs the acts worthy of a preceptorship only can be a preceptor (Guru).
And many people earlier were the abdicators of the woman (coition), etc., later on they became debauched and house-holders by getting married; their successors believe themselves to be preceptors (Guru); but after debauchery how is preceptorship possible? So, these too are similar to other householders. The only sepciality in them is that they became householders after debauchery; how can these be accepted as preceptor (Guru) by the persons who basically are found following householder's religion?
Further, many people are found indulging in all kinds of sinful acts but do not marry and because of this - so-called pious practice - believe themselves to be preceptor (Guru). But the unchastity alone is not a sin; injury (Hinsa), attachmentand hoarding(Parigraha), etc. are also sins. How people indulging in such acts could be treated as religious preceptors? Moreover, he has not given up marriage, etc. with religious instincts but he does not marry either for getting some means of livelihood or due to ignominy. Had he any religious instincts, then why would he indulge in increasingly injurious acts? And one who does not have religious attitude cannot be firm in chastity and if he does not marry then he indulges in the great sin of sexual copulation with other's wife, etc. Hence, people who believe persons found involved in the aforesaid (sinful) acts as preceptors (Guru) are highly misguided and intellectually bankrupt.
And many people consider such persons as priceptors who put on a particular attire; but by assuming a particular dress what type of
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
